Gateley

AIM-listed Gateley has made its largest acquisition since it became the first-ever U.K. law firm to IPO in 2015.

In a 6.8 million deal, Gateley adds the Vinden Partnership to its growing repertoire of acquisitions – its ninth to date.

Vinden offers corporate advisory, dispute resolution and consultancy services within the property and construction sectors. It has operated in the construction and property markets for over 25 years, across five locations including Bolton, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester and London.

In the year ended in August 2019, Vinden's revenue was £4.7 million. Following the acquisition, Vinden will trade under the name of Gateley Vinden Ltd.

The new acquisition expands Gateley's dispute management and resolution offering, as well as its funding services in the construction and real estate spaces. It comes less than a year after the firm's revenue broke £100 million for the first time, and follows the acquisition of Guildford-based property business GCL solicitors.

Michael Ward, Gateley's chief executive officer, said in a statement: "Bringing Vinden's skills in-house strengthens and expands our corporate advisory, dispute management and resolution expertise.

"This is our ninth acquisition since we joined the AIM market in 2015. We continue to deliver on our strategy, building a strong and diversified group for the benefit of all our stakeholders – our people, our clients and our investors."

As of 09.45am today, the firm's share price sits at 191p against a market capitalisation of £219.6 million, making it the third largest listed law firm after the premium market's DWF, and fellow AIM firm Knights.